Look at the good side of something and hold on to it for dear life.
At the beginning of my 15-year prison term, I made myself a promise. I promised myself, that no matter how hard my journey became, I wouldn’t allow myself to turn into an angry, bitter person, or someone with an “I hate the world” mentality. Throughout my years incarcerated, I have lost friends, family, and the love of my life. It was truly heartbreaking yet I remained mentally and emotionally strong. Now I am less than ten months from finally going home, and I find myself getting ready to give up. For the past year I was at Pelican Bay state prison, I was constantly harassed by correctional officers on the yard. In early April, I was accused of assaulting another inmate with a weapon and sent to the “restricted housing unit.” It was extremely devastating to once again feel like I was about to lose everything. I knew I was innocent, but I couldn’t help feeling hopeless just because 99% of the time they are going to believe an officer over an inmate. I had so many things in mind, and it was hard to keep my composure. I couldn’t help but think, “No matter what I do or how much I TRY, I just cannot win.” It was angering, and I couldn’t keep it together anymore, and so I cried. After being negative and letting everything out, I felt rejuvenated. I then said a quick prayer asking for hope and guidance, and then it hit me. Situations, as they can be, have a certain beauty to them. Just like they say, “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” I was close to throwing in the towel. And what this unpleasant situation did was give me the fuel I needed to finish my journey strong. These tribulations have given me a newfound hope and strength. Look at the good side of something and hold on to it for dear life. Don’t give up hope, and everything will work out. I was found innocent of the charges I was accused of. Thank God!
